Morales also urged OFWs to be prepared for the eventuality of returning home to the Philippines, noting that he had met many OFWs who had been in Hong Kong for more than 30 years.

“We never get tired of pounding on the importance of preparedness, of financial literacy, and having support when we go back home we have something to look forward to,” he said.

The GEAR-UP! program focuses on bringing home Filipino domestic workers and provide them with sustainable jobs and businesses in the country through social and economic programs such as facilitation of savings, investments and engaging in entrepreneurial activities.

It is a partnership between the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and Atikha, a non-government organization that provides economic and social services to overseas Filipinos and their families in the Philippines.

“There is really a lot of people we have to reach out to. Eventually, we have to go home and we have to prepare for life in Philippines,” said Morales, noting that there were more than 230,000 OFWs in HK.

“We have to equip ourselves with the knowledge skills and right mindset to prepare for eventual reintegration,” he added.